Monday, 23 July 2018

Contemporary Cutwork from the Folio

The last post showcased some the more traditional pieces of  Cutwork from the Embroiderers Guild Folios. Here are a few modern and colourful ways of using Cutwork. Enjoy!


Correct me if I am wrong but I believe this is Hardanger? using yellow, blue and red threads, above. It is very striking stitched in vivid colour.



A sampler worked on blue linen with ideas showing how the design could be used in practical ways around the home. This was another of my favourite pieces.
Below, a Hedebo sampler on white stitched by a self-taught student named Stephanie Louch. She also used the Hedebo technique more freely to stitch the wonderful jellyfish, starfish and fishes under the sea.





Threads Drawn from a loosely woven cloth can be stitched over by hand, as above, or freely by machine (drop the feed dogs first) and can make wonderful textural pieces like this. It is especially great for making a tree design.

Similar to Reverse Applique this free machined Cutwork piece on red suede made by Elaine Wilson has coloured pieces of silk remnants showing through. This is achieved by layering fabric and sewing the design before carefully cutting away different layers to reveal the various colours of fabric underneath.






In 1986 a stitcher by the name of Rebecca strong made these lovely delicate pieces of Cutwork using a sewing machine and metallic thread.
Below, beautiful Whipped Eyelets on blue fabric sit protected by their plastic cover. Another favourite.



Here is a very modern piece, not sure of the date but it was made by a Miss Manning. It looks stunning mounted on pink card, was that her intention, I wonder, or did someone curating the pieces at the Embroiderers Guild HQ in Bucks, have this idea?

Below, the last photo of our post, are free machined pieces donated by the East Kent Guild. These are on Organdie, the cutwork being made with a soldering iron. 
The green sample on the right was inspired by a design on an early English Tile at Canterbury.



Well, that's all from the Folios for now. Maybe our branch will borrow another in the future, but until then why not get cutting and stitching yourself or look out for our May post which will be reporting on the workshop we had creating Cutwork Butterflies. 
As always Happy stitching!




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